Vehicle window washer device

ABSTRACT

A vehicle window washer device having: a washer tank that stores washer fluid; a washer pump having one end connected to the washer tank and another end connected to one end portion of a hose; a washer nozzle connected to another end portion of the hose; a control unit that drives the washer pump to supply the washer fluid stored in the washer tank to the washer nozzle via the hose; and a supply portion that is placed in a wiping region, wiped by a wiper blade, of a windshield glass, is disposed in the washer nozzle or the windshield glass so as to not project from a wiping surface, and supplies the washer fluid from a supply port to the wiping surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2015-104423 filed on May 22, 2015, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a vehicle window washer device.

2. Related Art

Japanese Patent Application Laid-open (JP-A) No. H11-34814 discloses awasher nozzle attachment device. In this washer nozzle attachmentdevice, a washer nozzle is attached to an upper portion of a peripheraledge of a tailgate glass of a vehicle. The washer nozzle jets cleaningfluid onto the tailgate glass. When the cleaning fluid sticking to thetailgate glass is wiped by a rear wiper, dirt on the tailgate glass isremoved.

In the above-described washer nozzle attachment device, the washernozzle is attached in a position away from a wiping region, wiped by therear wiper, of the tailgate glass. For this reason, it is conceivablefor the cleaning fluid jetted from the washer nozzle to be swept away byaerodynamic drag, for example, so that the amount of cleaning fluidsticking to the wiping region becomes reduced. Consequently, theabove-described washer nozzle attachment device has had room forimprovement in order to stably supply the cleaning fluid to the wipingregion and efficiently remove dirt in the wiping region.

SUMMARY

In consideration of the circumstances described above, the presentinvention provides a vehicle window washer device that can stably supplywasher fluid to a wiping region of a windshield glass without hinderingthe back and forth pivoting motion of a wiper blade.

A vehicle window washer device pertaining to a first aspect of thepresent invention comprises: a washer tank that stores washer fluid; awasher pump having one end connected to the washer tank and another endconnected to one end portion of a hose; a washer nozzle connected toanother end portion of the hose; a control unit that drives the washerpump to supply the washer fluid stored in the washer tank to the washernozzle via the hose; and a supply portion that is placed in a wipingregion, wiped by a wiper blade, of a windshield glass, is disposed inthe washer nozzle or the windshield glass so as to not project from awiping surface, and supplies the washer fluid from a supply port to thewiping surface.

In the vehicle window washer device pertaining to the first aspect, whenthe washer pump is driven by the control unit, the washer fluid storedin the washer tank is supplied via the hose to the washer nozzle. Forthis reason, the washer fluid is discharged from the supply port of thesupply portion disposed in the washer nozzle or the windshield glass andis supplied to the wiping region.

Here, the supply portion is disposed so as to not project from thewiping surface in the wiping region, wiped by the wiper blade, of thewindshield glass, so the wiper blade that is pivoted back and forth doesnot interfere with the supply portion. Furthermore, the washer fluid canbe directly supplied from the supply portion to the wiping region, sothe washer fluid is also not swept away by aerodynamic drag beforelanding in the wiping region and does not land outside the wipingregion.

The vehicle window washer device pertaining to the first aspect has thesuperior effect that it can stably supply the washer fluid to the wipingregion without hindering the back and forth pivoting motion of the wiperblade.

A vehicle window washer device pertaining to a second aspect of thepresent invention is the vehicle window washer device pertaining to thefirst aspect, wherein the washer nozzle is formed in the shape of a tubehaving a closed end portion and is placed in such a way that thelongitudinal direction of the washer nozzle coincides with thelongitudinal direction of the wiper blade that pivots back and forth,and a plurality of the supply portions are disposed along thelongitudinal direction of the washer nozzle.

According to the vehicle window washer device pertaining to the secondaspect, a plurality of the supply portions are disposed along thelongitudinal direction of the washer nozzle, so the washer fluid issupplied from the plural supply portions to plural places in thelongitudinal direction of the wiper blade.

The vehicle window washer device pertaining to the second aspect has thesuperior effect that it can efficiently clean the wiping region.

A vehicle window washer device pertaining to a third aspect of thepresent invention is the vehicle window washer device pertaining to thesecond aspect, wherein a plurality of the supply portions are disposedalong a reversal position of the wiper blade that pivots back and forth.

According to the vehicle window washer device pertaining to the thirdaspect, a plurality of the supply portions are disposed along thereversal position of the wiper blade that pivots back and forth, so itis difficult for the supply portions to enter the field of view of theoccupant when the occupant looks in the vehicle forward directionthrough the front windshield glass, for example, from the driver's seat.Furthermore, it is difficult for the supply portions to enter the fieldof view of the occupant also when the occupant looks in the vehiclerearward direction through the rear windshield glass, for example, fromthe driver's seat.

The vehicle window washer device pertaining to the third aspect has thesuperior effect that it can well maintain the field of view of theoccupant.

A vehicle window washer device pertaining to a fourth aspect of thepresent invention is the vehicle window washer device pertaining to thethird aspect, wherein the supply portions are disposed along thereversal position on a storage position side of the wiper blade.

According to the vehicle window washer device pertaining to the fourthaspect, the supply portions are disposed along the reversal position onthe storage position side of the wiper blade, so the washer fluid can besupplied to the pivoting direction side of the wiper blade soon afterthe wiper blade starts pivoting back and forth.

The vehicle window washer device pertaining to the fourth aspect has thesuperior effect that, because the washer fluid is supplied to thepivoting direction side of the wiper blade soon after the wiper bladestarts pivoting back and forth, it can efficiently clean the wipingregion soon after the wiper blade starts pivoting back and forth.

A vehicle window washer device pertaining to a fifth aspect of thepresent invention is the vehicle window washer device pertaining to anyone of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, further comprising aposition detection unit that detects the pivotal position of the wiperblade in the wiping region, wherein on the basis of the result of thedetection by the position detection unit the control unit executescontrol that drives the washer pump to supply the washer fluid from thesupply portion to the wiping surface just before the wiper blade passesthe supply portion.

The vehicle window washer device pertaining to the fifth aspect isequipped with the position detection unit, and the position detectionunit detects the pivotal position of the wiper blade in the wipingregion. The control unit executes control that drives the washer pump tosupply the washer fluid from the supply portion to the wiping surface.

Here, on the basis of the result of the detection by the positiondetection unit the control unit executes control that supplies thewasher fluid from the supply portion to the wiping surface just beforethe wiper blade passes the supply portion. For this reason, the washerfluid can be supplied to the pivoting direction side of the wiper bladejust before the wiper blade passes the supply portion because of theback and forth pivoting motion of the wiper blade in the wiping region.

The vehicle window washer device pertaining to the fifth aspect has thesuperior effect that it can realize control that supplies the washerfluid to the wiping region soon after the pivoting motion of the wiperblade.

A vehicle window washer device pertaining to a sixth aspect of thepresent invention comprises: a washer tank that stores washer fluid; awasher pump having one end connected to the washer tank and another endconnected to one end portion of a hose; a washer nozzle connected toanother end portion of the hose; a control unit that drives the washerpump to supply the washer fluid stored in the washer tank to the washernozzle via the hose; and a supply portion that is placed on the cowllouver side of a wiping region, wiped by a wiper blade, of thewindshield glass and a cowl louver disposed along a lower end portion ofthe windshield glass, is disposed in the washer nozzle or the cowllouver so as to not project from a wiping surface, and supplies thewasher fluid from a supply port to the wiping surface.

In the vehicle window washer device pertaining to the sixth aspect, thesame action as the action obtained by the vehicle window washer devicepertaining to the first aspect can be obtained. In addition, the supplyportion is placed on the cowl louver side apart from the windshieldglass, so it is difficult for the supply portion to enter the field ofview of the occupant when the occupant looks in the vehicle forwarddirection through the front windshield glass from the driver's seat.

The vehicle window washer device pertaining to the sixth aspect has thesuperior effect that it can well maintain the field of view of theoccupant because the supply portion is placed in the wiping region ofthe cowl louver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, as seen from a vehicle front side, showingmain parts of a vehicle front portion to which a vehicle window washerdevice pertaining to a first exemplary embodiment has been applied;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing main parts of the vehiclefront portion to which the vehicle window washer device shown in FIG. 1has been applied;

FIG. 3(A) is a perspective view of a washer nozzle of the vehicle windowwasher device shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, FIG. 3(B) is a sectional view(a sectional view cut along line A-A of FIG. 2) of a front windshieldglass of the vehicle to which the washer nozzle shown in FIG. 2 isattached, and FIG. 3(C) is a sectional view (a sectional view cut alongline B-B of FIG. 2) of the front windshield glass to which the washernozzle shown in FIG. 2 is attached;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view describing the positional relationshipbetween a wiping region, a wiper blade, and supply portions of thewasher nozzle in the vehicle window washer device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram constructing a control systemof the vehicle window washer device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6(A) is a timing chart describing the actions of the vehicle windowwasher device pertaining to the first exemplary embodiment when thewiper blade is activated, and FIG. 6(B) is a timing chart describing theactions of the vehicle window washer device when the wiper blade isstopped;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view describing placement positions of the supplyportions of the washer nozzle with respect to the wiping region in thevehicle window washer device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8(A) is a perspective view of a washer nozzle of a vehicle windowwasher device pertaining to a first example modification of the firstexemplary embodiment, and FIG. 8(B) is a sectional view (a sectionalview cut along line C-C of FIG. 8(A)) of the washer nozzle shown in FIG.8(A) and the front windshield glass to which the washer nozzle isattached;

FIG. 9(A) is a perspective view of a washer nozzle of a vehicle windowwasher device pertaining to a second example modification of the firstexemplary embodiment, FIG. 9(B) is a sectional view (a sectional viewcut along line D-D of FIG. 9(A)) of the washer nozzle shown in FIG. 9(A)and the windshield glass to which the washer nozzle is attached, andFIG. 9(C) is a front view, seen from the vehicle front side, of thewasher nozzle shown in FIG. 9(A) and FIG. 9(B);

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a washer nozzle of a vehicle windowwasher device pertaining to a third example modification of the firstexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11(A) is an enlarged perspective view of the nozzle shown in FIG.10, and FIG. 11(B) is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 3(C), ofthe washer nozzle shown in FIG. 11(A) and the windshield glass to whichthe washer nozzle is attached;

FIG. 12(A) is an enlarged perspective view, corresponding to FIG. 11(A),of a washer nozzle of a vehicle window washer device pertaining to afourth example modification of the first exemplary embodiment, and FIG.12(B) is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 11(B), of the washernozzle shown in FIG. 12(A) and the windshield glass to which the washernozzle is attached;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a washer nozzle of a vehicle windowwasher device pertaining to a fifth example modification of the firstexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14(A) is a perspective view of a washer nozzle of a vehicle windowwasher device pertaining to a second exemplary embodiment, FIG. 14(B) isa sectional view (a sectional view cut along line E-E of FIG. 14(A)) ofthe washer nozzle shown in FIG. 14(A), FIG. 14(C) is a perspective viewof a constituent part of the washer nozzle shown in FIG. 14(A) and FIG.14(B), and FIG. 14(D) is a perspective view, corresponding to FIG. 3(C),of the washer nozzle shown in FIG. 14(A) and FIG. 14(B) and thewindshield glass to which the washer nozzle is attached;

FIG. 15(A) is a perspective view of a washer nozzle of a vehicle windowwasher device pertaining to a first example modification of the secondexemplary embodiment, FIG. 15(B) is a sectional view (a sectional viewcut along line F-F of FIG. 15(A)) of the washer nozzle shown in FIG.15(A), and FIG. 15(C) is a perspective view of a constituent part of thewasher nozzle shown in FIG. 15(A) and FIG. 15(B);

FIG. 16(A) is a perspective view of a washer nozzle of a vehicle windowwasher device pertaining to a second example modification of the secondexemplary embodiment, and FIG. 16(B) is a sectional view (a sectionalview cut along line G-G of FIG. 16(A)) of the washer nozzle shown inFIG. 16(A);

FIG. 17(A) is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 3(B), of the frontwindshield glass to which a washer nozzle of a vehicle window washerdevice pertaining to a third exemplary embodiment is attached, and FIG.17(B) is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 3(C), of the frontwindshield glass;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 17(A), of the frontwindshield glass to which a washer nozzle of a vehicle window washerdevice pertaining to a first example modification of the third exemplaryembodiment is attached;

FIG. 19(A) is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 17(A), of thefront windshield glass to which a washer nozzle of a vehicle windowwasher device pertaining to a second example modification of the thirdexemplary embodiment is attached, FIG. 19(B) is a sectional view,corresponding to FIG. 17(B), of the front windshield glass, and FIG.19(C) is a perspective view of a main part of the washer nozzle shown inFIG. 19(A) and FIG. 19(B);

FIG. 20 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 17(B), of the frontwindshield glass to which a washer nozzle of a vehicle window washerdevice pertaining to a third example modification of the third exemplaryembodiment is attached;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 20, of the frontwindshield glass to which a washer nozzle of a vehicle window washerdevice pertaining to a fourth example modification of the thirdexemplary embodiment is attached;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of the front windshield glass and the wipingregions thereof and describes placement positions of supply portions ofa washer nozzle of a vehicle window washer device pertaining to a fourthexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view (a sectional view cut along line K-K of FIG.22) of the front windshield glass and the washer nozzle shown in FIG. 22and a front pillar;

FIG. 24(A) is a schematic view of the windshield glass and the wipingregions thereof and describes placement positions of supply portions ofa washer nozzle of a vehicle window washer device pertaining to a firstexample modification of the fourth exemplary embodiment, FIG. 24(B) is aschematic view of a wiping region and describes placement positions ofsupply portions of a washer nozzle of a vehicle window washer devicepertaining to a second example modification, and FIG. 24(C) is aschematic view of a wiping region and describes placement positions ofsupply portions of a washer nozzle of a vehicle window washer devicepertaining to a third example modification;

FIG. 25(A) is a schematic view, seen from the vehicle rear side, of arear windshield glass and a wiping region thereof and describesplacement positions of supply portions of a washer nozzle of a vehiclewindow washer device pertaining to a fifth exemplary embodiment, FIG.25(B) is a schematic view, corresponding to FIG. 25(A), describingplacement positions of supply portions of a washer nozzle of a vehiclewindow washer device pertaining to a first example modification, andFIG. 25(C) is a schematic view, corresponding to FIG. 25(A), describingplacement positions of supply portions of a washer nozzle of a vehiclewindow washer device pertaining to a second example modification;

FIG. 26(A) is a schematic view, corresponding to FIG. 25(A), describingplacement positions of supply portions of a washer nozzle of a vehiclewindow washer device pertaining to a third example modification of thefifth exemplary embodiment, FIG. 26(B) is a schematic view,corresponding to FIG. 26(A), describing placement positions of supplyportions of a washer nozzle of a vehicle window washer device pertainingto a fourth example modification, and FIG. 26(C) is a schematic view,corresponding to FIG. 26(A), describing placement positions of supplyportions of a washer nozzle of a vehicle window washer device pertainingto a fifth example modification;

FIG. 27(A) is a schematic view of a wiping region seen from the vehiclefront side and describes placement positions of supply portions of awasher nozzle of a vehicle window washer device pertaining to a sixthexemplary embodiment, FIG. 27(B) is a schematic view, corresponding toFIG. 27(A), describing placement positions of supply portions of awasher nozzle of a vehicle window washer device pertaining to a firstexample modification of the sixth exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 27(C)is a schematic view, corresponding to FIG. 27(A), describing placementpositions of supply portions of a washer nozzle of a vehicle windowwasher device pertaining to a second example modification;

FIG. 28(A) is a schematic view, corresponding to FIG. 4, describingplacement positions of supply portions of a washer nozzle of a vehiclewindow washer device pertaining to a seventh exemplary embodiment, FIG.28(B) is an enlarged perspective view of main parts of the washer nozzleshown in FIG. 28(A), FIG. 28(C) is a sectional view (a sectional viewcut along line L-L of FIG. 28(A)) of the washer nozzle shown in FIG.28(B) and a supply member attached to the washer nozzle, and FIG. 28(D)is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 3(C), of the windshield glassand a washer nozzle of a vehicle window washer device pertaining to anexample modification of the seventh exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view, corresponding to FIG. 2,showing main parts of a vehicle front portion to which a vehicle windowwasher device pertaining to an eighth exemplary embodiment has beenapplied; and

FIG. 30 is a sectional view, seen from the vehicle side, of the vehiclewindow washer device, the front windshield glass, and a cowl louvershown in FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION First Exemplary Embodiment

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 1 toFIG. 13. Here, for convenience of description, arrow FR appropriatelyshown in the drawings indicates a vehicle forward direction of a vehiclesuch as an automobile, arrow W indicates a vehicle width direction, andarrow UP indicates a vehicle upward direction.

(Configuration of the Vehicle Window Washer Device 10)

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining tothe present exemplary embodiment is applied to a front portion 14 of anautomobile 12. An engine compartment 16 is disposed in the front portion14, and a non-illustrated engine is installed in the engine compartment16. An engine hood 18 is disposed on the upper portion of the enginecompartment 16 in such a way that the engine hood 18 can be opened andclosed.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a front windshield glass 20 is disposedon the vehicle rear side of the engine hood 18. The front windshieldglass 20 extends across the entire vehicle width direction between apair of right and left front pillars (A-pillars) 12A disposed on vehicleside portions and is attached sloping heading toward the vehicle upperside and the vehicle rear side. Between the rear end portion of theengine hood 18 and the lower end portion of the front windshield glass20, a cowl louver 22 made of resin that is a vehicle exterior part isdisposed on the lower end portion of the front windshield glass 20. Thecowl louver 22 extends in such a way that its longitudinal directioncoincides with the vehicle width direction along the lower end portionof the front windshield glass 20.

A wiper blade 24 is disposed on the left side of the front windshieldglass 20 and a wiper blade 26 is disposed on the right side as seen fromthe vehicle front side. As shown in FIG. 3(C), the wiper blade 24 isconfigured to include a blade body 24B and a rubber strip 24C attachedto the blade body 24B. The rubber strip 24C is made of a rubbermaterial, for example. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, one longitudinaldirection end portion of an arm 24A is swingably anchored to thelongitudinal direction middle portion of the wiper blade 24. The otherlongitudinal direction end portion of the arm 24A is a pivotal center ofback and forth pivoting motion (a base end portion), extends along thevehicle width direction in accordance with the curved shape of a wipingsurface 20A in FIG. 2, and is secured to a pivot shaft 28A of a wiperdrive device 52 (see FIG. 5). In the present exemplary embodiment, thepivot shaft 28A is disposed in a shaft hole running through the cowllouver 22 in the vehicle up and down direction, and the wiper drivedevice 52 is attached inside the engine compartment 16 on the vehiclelower side of the cowl louver 22. The wiper blade 24 shown in FIG. 2 hasstopped pivoting back and forth and is in a storage position P on thelower end portion side of the front windshield glass 20.

The basic configuration of the wiper blade 26 is the same as the basicconfiguration of the wiper blade 24, so the wiper blade 26 is configuredto include a blade body 26B and a rubber strip (see FIG. 3(C)). Onelongitudinal direction end portion of an arm 26A is swingably anchoredto the longitudinal direction middle portion of the wiper blade 26. Theother longitudinal direction end portion of the arm 26A is secured to apivot shaft 28B of the wiper drive device 52, with the pivot shaft 28Bserving as a pivotal center of back and forth pivoting motion. The wiperblade 26 shown in FIG. 1 is stopped has stopped pivoting back and forthand is in a storage position on the lower end portion side of the frontwindshield glass 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 4, the region, wiped by the rubberstrip 24C because of the back and forth pivoting motion of the wiperblade 24, of the front windshield glass 20 is a wiping region 30.Additionally, the surface, on the vehicle outer side wiped by the rubberstrip 24C, of the wiping region 30 of the front windshield glass 20 is awiping surface 20A. The wiping region 30 is shaped like a fan as seenfrom the vehicle front side, with the pivot shaft 28A serving as apivotal center. In the wiping region 30 the wiper blade 24 reversesdirection at, and pivots back and forth between, one reversal position(here, a lower reversal position) 30A and another reversal position(here, an upper reversal position) 30B on the opposite side of the onereversal position 30A. In the present exemplary embodiment, the storageposition P of the wiper blade 24 is set on the lower side of the onereversal position 30A. It should be noted that the one reversal position30A may also be coincident with the storage position P. In the wipingregion 30, dirt on the wiping surface 20A is removed by the back andforth pivoting motion of the wiper blade 24 and the supply of washerfluid described later.

Like the wiping region 30, a wiping region 32 shown in FIG. 1 is shapedlike a fan, and dirt thereon is removed by the back and forth pivotingmotion of the wiper blade 26 and the supply of washer fluid thereto. Inthe wiping region 32, one reversal position (a lower reversal position)is on the storage position side of the wiper blade 26 and anotherreversal position (an upper reversal position) is on the opposite sideof the storage position.

The vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the present exemplaryembodiment is equipped with a washer tank 40 and a washer pump 42 shownin FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, a hose 38 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3(B), a washernozzle 34 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3(A) to FIG. 3(C), and FIG. 4,and a control unit 50 shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 3(A) to FIG.3(C), supply portions 34A equipped with supply ports 34A1 are disposedin the washer nozzle 34, and the supply portions 34A are disposed ineach of the wiping region 30 and the wiping region 32. The supplyportions 34A supply the washer fluid from the supply ports 34A1 to thewiping surface 20A of each of the wiping region 30 and the wiping region32.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(B) and FIG. 3(C), laminated glass isused for the front windshield glass 20. The laminated glass is formed bylaminating in the plate thickness direction a single plate glass 20B onthe vehicle outer side and a single plate glass 20C on the vehicle innerside via an intermediate film 20D. Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin, forexample, is used as the intermediate film 20D. A groove portion 20E isdisposed in the single plate glass 20B of the front windshield glass 20,and the washer nozzle 34 is attached inside the groove portion 20E. Thegroove portion 20E is disposed in such a way that its longitudinaldirection coincides with the vehicle width direction along thelongitudinal direction of the wiper blade 24 in the storage position Pshown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, is elongate as seen in a vehicle front view,has a transverse direction cross section formed in the shape of a squareU, and is formed on the one reversal position 30A side of the wipingregion 30. The groove portion 20E may be formed only inside the wipingregion 30 or may be formed ranging from the wiping region 30 to theouter side thereof. Furthermore, here, the groove portion 20E runsthrough the single plate glass 20B so that the intermediate film 20D isexposed in the groove bottom surface, but the groove portion 20E mayalso be formed in the shape of a square U by scooping out part of thesingle plate glass 20B from the wiping surface 20A in the platethickness direction.

The washer nozzle 34 is formed in the shape of a long and narrowcircular tube whose longitudinal direction coincides with its tube axialdirection and is attached inside the groove portion 20E in such a waythat its tube axial direction coincides with the longitudinal directionof the groove portion 20E. That is to say, the washer nozzle 34 isformed along the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 24, and thelongitudinal direction of the washer nozzle 34 coincides with thelongitudinal direction of the wiper blade 24. In the present exemplaryembodiment, the washer nozzle 34 is fitted into the groove portion 20E.Furthermore, the washer nozzle 34 may also be adhered to the grooveportion 20E via an adhesive. A plurality of the supply portions 34A areformed at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of thewasher nozzle 34 in the top portion of the washer nozzle 34. Here, theopen shape of the supply ports 34A1 of the supply portions 34A iscircular. It should be noted that the open shape of the supply ports34A1 is not limited to being circular and may also be elliptical,square, or polygonal, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3(C), andFIG. 4, the supply ports 34A are placed along the wiper blade 24 inpositions reached soon after the wiper blade 34 starts pivoting and onthe wiping region 30 middle side of the wiper blade 24 in the storageposition P and the one reversal position 30A.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, the supply portions 34Aare disposed so as to not project toward the vehicle outer side from thewiping surface 20A of the front windshield glass 20. Here, “so as to notproject” means that the supply portions 34A substantially do not hinderthe back and forth pivoting motion of the wiper blade 24, and thisincludes a case where the supply portions 34A project a little from thewiping surface 20A provided that the amount of projection is equal to orless than 0.1 mm, for example, so that the supply portions 34Asubstantially do not hinder the back and forth pivoting motion of thewiper blade 24. In the present exemplary embodiment, the supply portions34A are disposed in positions where they are coincident (even) with thewiping surface 20A. It should be noted that the supply portions 34A mayalso be placed on the vehicle inner side (the cabin inner side) ofpositions where they are coincident with the wiping surface 20A. Forexample, the supply portions 34A may also be placed between the wipingsurface 20A of the front windshield glass 20 and a surface 20F on theopposite side. Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, thegroove portion 20E and the washer nozzle 34 are placed continuously inthe vehicle width direction from the wiping region 30 to the wipingregion 32. The configurations of the washer nozzle 34 and the supplyportions 34A in the wiping region 32 are the same as the configurationsof the washer nozzle 34 and the supply portions 34A in the wiping region30, so description of the same configurations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washer tank 40 is disposed inside the enginecompartment 16, and the washer fluid that is supplied to the frontwindshield glass 20 is stored in the washer tank 40. Furthermore, thewasher tank 40 may also store washer fluid that is supplied to alater-described rear windshield glass 80 shown in FIG. 25(A) andelsewhere.

The washer pump 42 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 is disposed in theneighborhood of the washer tank 40. In the present exemplary embodiment,the washer tank 40 and the washer pump 42 are manufactured as a singleassembly. One end of the washer pump 42 is connected to the washer tank40, and another end is connected to the hose 38. When the washer pump 42is driven by the control unit 50 shown in FIG. 5, the washer pump 42supplies the washer fluid stored in the washer tank 40 to the washernozzle 34 via the hose 38 and a coupling tube 36. As shown in FIG. 1,the hose 38 is routed from the engine compartment 16 to the lowerportion of the cowl louver 22. One end portion 38A of the hose 38 isconnected to the washer pump 42. As shown in FIG. 3(B), another endportion 38B of the hose 38 is connected to another end portion 36B ofthe coupling tube 36 on the vehicle inner side. The one end portion 36Aof the coupling tube 36 is connected to the washer nozzle 34 through athrough hole 20G formed through the single plate glass 20C and theintermediate film 20D in the groove portion 20E. The one end portion 36Ais bent with respect to another end portion 36B and extends along thegroove portion 20E.

FIG. 5 shows the system configuration of the vehicle window washerdevice 10. The washer pump 42 of the vehicle window washer device 10 isconnected to a washer switch 48 via a bus line 60. Furthermore, thecontrol unit 50 is connected to the bus line 60. In the presentexemplary embodiment, a wiper/washer electronic control unit (ECU) isused as the control unit 50. Here, an engine control unit (ECU) thatcontrols the operation of the engine can be utilized as the control unit50. Moreover, the wiper drive device 52, a wiper blade positiondetection sensor 54 serving as a position detection unit, and a wiperswitch 46 are connected to the bus line 60. The wiper drive device 52 isequipped with a non-illustrated wiper motor and a link mechanism thatcauses the wiper blade 24 and the wiper blade 26 to pivot back andforth. When the wiper switch 46 is switched on, the wiper drive device52 is controlled and driven by the control unit 50. In the vehiclewindow washer device 10, when the washer switch 48 is switched on, thewasher pump 42 is driven and the washer fluid stored in the washer tank40 is supplied to the washer nozzle 34. Additionally, in the vehiclewindow washer device 10, the action of supplying the washer fluid andthe action of pivoting back and forth the wiper blade 26 (wiping action)are performed in conjunction with each other.

Furthermore, the vehicle window washer device 10 is equipped with aglass dirt sensor 44, a vehicle velocity sensor 56, and an airtemperature sensor 58 in addition to the wiper blade position detectionsensor 54 shown in FIG. 5. The glass dirt sensor 44, the vehiclevelocity sensor 56, and the air temperature sensor 58 are connected tothe control unit 50 via the bus line 60. The wiper blade positiondetection sensor 54 detects the position of the wiper blade 24 in thewiping region 30 and the position of the wiper blade 26 in the wipingregion 32. A Hall element that detects the rotational position of thewiper motor, for example, is used as the wiper blade position detectionsensor 54. The glass dirt sensor 44 detects dirt on the wiping surface20A of the front windshield glass 20. The vehicle velocity sensor 56detects the traveling velocity of the automobile 12. Additionally, theair temperature sensor 58 detects the temperature outside the vehicle.Information such as the position information, dirt information, velocityinformation, and temperature information detected by these sensors issent to the control unit 50.

(Action and Effects of the Present Exemplary Embodiment)

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the presentexemplary embodiment, the washer pump 42 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 isdriven by the control unit 50 shown in FIG. 5. When the washer pump 42is driven, the washer fluid stored in the washer tank 40 is supplied viathe hose 38 to the washer nozzle 34. For this reason, the washer fluidis discharged from the supply ports 34A1 of the supply portions 34Adisposed in the washer nozzle 34 and is supplied to the wiping region 30and the wiping region 32.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the supply portions 34A are disposedso as to not project from the wiping surface 20A in the wiping region30, wiped by the wiper blade 24, of the front windshield glass 20.Furthermore, the supply portions 34A are disposed so as to not projectfrom the wiping surface 20A in the wiping region 32, wiped by the wiperblade 26, of the front windshield glass 20. For this reason, the wiperblade 24 and the wiper blade 26 that are pivoted back and forth do notinterfere with the supply portions 34A of the washer nozzle 34.Furthermore, the washer fluid can be directly supplied from the supplyports 24A1 of the supply portions 34A to the wiping region 30 and thewiping region 32, so the washer fluid is also not swept away byaerodynamic drag before landing in the wiping region 30 and the wipingregion 32 and does not land outside the wiping region 30 and the wipingregion 32.

Consequently, according to the vehicle window washer device 10pertaining to the present exemplary embodiment, the washer fluid can bestably supplied to the wiping region 30 and the wiping region 32 withouthindering the back and forth pivoting motion of the wiper blade 24 andthe wiper blade 26.

Specifically, for example, in a case where washer nozzles are disposedin the engine hood 18 and the washer fluid is jetted onto the wipingregion 30 and the wiping region 32, the washer fluid is affected byaerodynamic drag and also scatters outside the wiping region 30 and thewiping region 32, so that the amount of washer fluid supplied to thewiping region 30 and the wiping region 32 becomes reduced. In thevehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the present exemplaryembodiment, the washer fluid is directly supplied to the wiping region30 and the wiping region 32, and the distance from the supply portions34A to the wiping region 30 and the wiping region 32 becomes shorter, sothe amount of washer fluid supplied to the wiping region 30 and thewiping region 32 is as set. Furthermore, because the amount of washerfluid supplied is stable, the efficiency with which the wiping region 30and the wiping region 32 are cleaned can be improved. In other words,the cleaning efficiency can be improved and the amount of washer fluidused can be reduced.

Furthermore, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thepresent exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 4, aplurality of the supply portions 34A of the washer nozzle 34 are placedalong the longitudinal direction of the washer nozzle 34. For thisreason, the washer fluid is supplied from the plural supply portions 34Ato plural places on the wiper blade 24 and the wiper blade 26.Consequently, the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thepresent exemplary embodiment can efficiently clean the wiping region 30and the wiping region 32. In addition, the vehicle window washer device10 pertaining to the present exemplary embodiment can also clean therubber strip 24C itself of the wiper blade 24 and the rubber stripitself of the wiper blade 26.

Moreover, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thepresent exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, a pluralityof the supply portions 34A are placed along the one reversal position(here, the lower reversal position) 30A of the wiper blade 24 thatpivots back and forth in the wiping region 30. The supply portions 34Aare placed in the same positions also in the wiping region 32. For thisreason, it is difficult for the supply portions 34A to enter the fieldof view of an occupant when the occupant looks in the vehicle forwarddirection through the front windshield glass 20. Consequently, accordingto the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the presentexemplary embodiment, the field of view of the occupant can be wellmaintained.

Furthermore, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thepresent exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 4,the supply portions 34A are placed on the wiping region 30 middle sideof the one reversal position 30A (here, the lower reversal position) onthe storage position P side of the wiper blade 24 in the wiping region30. Likewise, as shown in FIG. 1, the supply portions 34A are placed onthe wiping region 32 middle side of the one reversal position (the lowerreversal position) on the storage position side of the wiper blade 26 inthe wiping region 32. For this reason, the washer fluid can be suppliedto the pivoting direction side of the wiper blade 24 and the wiper blade26 soon after the wiper blade 24 and the wiper blade 26 start pivotingback and forth. Consequently, the vehicle window washer device 10pertaining to the present exemplary embodiment can efficiently clean thewiping region 30 and the wiping region 32 soon after the wiper blade 24and the wiper blade 26 start pivoting back and forth.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle window washer device 10pertaining to the present exemplary embodiment is equipped with thewiper blade position detection sensor 54. The back and forth pivotingmotion of the wiper blade 24 and the back and forth pivoting motion ofthe wiper blade 26 are performed in conjunction with each other, so thewiper blade position detection sensor 54 detects just the pivotalposition of the wiper blade 24 in the wiping region 30. Specifically,the pivotal position is detected by the Hall element from the rotationalposition of the wiper motor when the wiper blade 24 has moved to the onereversal position 30A and the other reversal position 30B in the wipingregion 30. The control unit 50 executes control that drives the washerpump 42 to supply the washer fluid from the supply portions 34A to eachof the wiping region 30 and the wiping region 32.

Here, FIG. 6(A) shows the actions of the vehicle window washer device 10when the wiper blade 24 is activated. Furthermore, FIG. 6(B) shows theactions of the vehicle window washer device 10 when the wiper blade 24is stopped. Furthermore, FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the wiping region30. As shown in FIG. 7, the plural supply portions 34A of the washernozzle 34 are placed in the vehicle width direction along the onereversal position 30A of the wiping region 30 along the lower endportion of the front windshield glass 20. The placement of the supplyportions 34A in the wiping region 32 is the same as the placement of thesupply portions 34A in the wiping region 30.

As shown in FIG. 6(A), when the wiper switch 46 (see FIG. 5) is switchedON, the wiper drive device 52 is driven and the wiper blade 24 ispivoted back and forth between the one reversal position 30A and theother reversal position 30B. When the wiper blade 24 moves to the onereversal position 30A, the pivotal position of the wiper blade 24 isdetected by the wiper blade position detection sensor 54 and thisposition information is sent to the control unit 50. Here, when thewasher switch 48 is switched ON, the control unit 50 activates thewasher pump 42 at the timing when the wiper blade 24 is moved to the onereversal position 30A and reverses direction. In other words, thecontrol unit 50 activates the washer pump 42 when the wiper blade 24 hasmoved between (within a distance of separation L shown in FIG. 7) theone reversal position 30A and the supply portions 34A (when the wiperblade 24 is on the one reversal position 30A side of the supply portions34A). Because of this activation, the washer fluid is supplied from thewasher tank 40 to the washer nozzle 34, and is directly supplied fromthe supply ports 34A1 of the supply portions 34A to the wiping region30. That is to say, the washer fluid is supplied to the pivotingdirection side of the wiper blade 24 while the wiper blade 24 is movingfrom the one reversal position 30A toward the supply portions 34A. Theaction of supplying the washer fluid in the wiping region 32 is the sameas the action of supplying the washer fluid in the wiping region 30, sodescription here will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6(B), when the wiper switch 46 is switched OFF and thewiper drive device 52 is stopped, the wiper blade 24 is stored in thestorage position P. Here, when the washer switch 48 is switched ON, thecontrol unit 50 activates the washer pump 42 to supply the washer fluidfrom the washer tank 42 to the washer nozzle 34. Because of this, thewasher fluid is directly supplied from the supply ports 34A1 of thesupply portions 34A to the wiping region 30. Additionally, the controlunit 50 activates the wiper drive device 52 to pivot the wiper blade 24after the elapse of a certain amount of time, for example, within a fewseconds (the elapse of a wiper blade 24 activation delay time). Thecontrol unit 50 causes the wiper blade 24 to pivot back and forth onetime to several times, for example.

In this way, on the basis of the result of the detection by the wiperblade position detection sensor 54 the control unit 50 executes controlthat drives the washer pump 42 to supply the washer fluid from thesupply ports 34A1 of the supply portions 34A to the wiping region 30just before the wiper blade 24 passes the supply portions 34A. For thisreason, the washer fluid can be supplied to the pivoting direction sideof the wiper blade 24 just before the wiper blade 24 passes the supplyportions 34A in the wiping region 30. The washer fluid is also suppliedto the pivoting direction side of the wiper blade 26 in the same way.Consequently, according to the vehicle window washer device 10pertaining to the present exemplary embodiment, control that suppliesthe washer fluid to the wiping region 30 and the wiping region 32 soonafter the pivoting motion of the wiper blade 24 and the wiper blade 26can be realized.

In addition, in the vehicle window washer device 10, as shown in FIG. 5,the vehicle velocity sensor 56, the air temperature sensor 58, and theglass dirt sensor 44 are connected to the control unit 50. For thisreason, the timing of the supply of the washer fluid can beappropriately adjusted by the control unit 50 on the basis of theenvironment information obtained by these various types of sensors. Forexample, when information indicating that the traveling velocity of theautomobile 12 has exceeded a certain velocity has been sent from thevehicle velocity sensor 56 to the control unit 50, the control unit 50lengthens the time in which the washer fluid is supplied to increase theamount of washer fluid supplied in consideration of the effect ofaerodynamic drag. Furthermore, when, on the basis of the temperatureinformation from the air temperature sensor 58, it is determined thatthe temperature is high, for example, the control unit 50 lengthens thetime in which the washer fluid is supplied in consideration of themoisture evaporation amount of the washer fluid. Moreover, when, on thebasis of the dirt information from the glass dirt sensor 44, it isdetermined that dirt is conspicuous, for example, the control unit 50lengthens the time in which the washer fluid is supplied.

First Example Modification

Next, a vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a first examplemodification of the first exemplary embodiment will be described. Here,in the first example modification, example modifications following thefirst example modification, and other exemplary embodiments followingthe first exemplary embodiment, the same reference signs are assigned toconstituent elements having the same functions as the constituentelements of the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the firstexemplary embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8(A) and FIG. 8(B), the vehicle window washer device 10pertaining to the first example modification of the first exemplaryembodiment is equipped with a washer nozzle 34 shaped like a four-sidedtube having a closed longitudinal direction end portion. Thecross-sectional shape of the washer nozzle 34 is rectangular, and thewasher nozzle 34 is housed in the groove portion 20E of the frontwindshield glass 20 without any gap between them. Plural supply portions34A are formed along the longitudinal direction of the washer nozzle 34in the top wall portion on the vehicle outer side of the washer nozzle34. The supply portions 34A are equipped with supply ports 34A1. Thesupply portions 34 are disposed so as to not project from the wipingsurface 20A.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the first examplemodification, the cross-sectional shape of the washer nozzle 34 is thesame rectangular shape as the cross-sectional shape of the grooveportion 20E, so the washer nozzle 34 can be housed in the groove portion20E of the front windshield glass 20 without any gap between them.Furthermore, the supply portions 34A are disposed so as to not projectfrom the wiping surface 20A, so the wiper blade 24 and the wiper blade26 that are pivoted back and forth do not interfere with the supplyportions 34A.

Second Example Modification

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a second examplemodification of the first exemplary embodiment is equipped with a washernozzle 34 shown in FIG. 9(A) to FIG. 9(C). The washer nozzle 34 isconfigured to include a nozzle body 34B shaped like a circular tubehaving both longitudinal direction end portions closed, branching nozzleportions 34C, and supply portions 34A disposed in the upper ends of thebranching nozzle portions 34C. The supply portions 34A are equipped withsupply ports 34A1. The nozzle body 34B is placed in such a way that itslongitudinal direction coincides with the vehicle width direction. Acoupling portion 34D that projects downward is disposed in the middle ofthe bottom portion of the nozzle body 34B, and the hose 38 that suppliesthe washer fluid is connected to the coupling portion 34D (see FIG.9(C)). The branching nozzle portions 34C are each formed in the shape ofa cylinder that projects outward in the radial direction with respect tothe nozzle body 34B from the top portion of the nozzle body 34B, and aplurality of the branching nozzle portions 34C are formed at regularintervals along the vehicle width direction. The nozzle body 34B and thebranching nozzle portions 34C are integrally formed by resin molding,for example.

As shown in FIG. 9(B), a groove portion 201 whose longitudinal directioncoincides with the vehicle width direction is disposed in the singleplate glass 20C on the vehicle inner side of the front windshield glass20 and the intermediate film 20D. The nozzle body 34B is housed in thegroove portion 201. Additionally, a plurality of pores 20H reaching fromthe wiping surface 20A to the groove portion 201 are disposed at regularintervals along the vehicle width direction in the single plate glass20B on the vehicle outer side of the front windshield glass 20. Thebranching nozzle portions 34C are inserted into the pores 20H. Thesupply portions 34A are disposed so as to not project from the wipingsurface 20A like in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining tothe first exemplary embodiment.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the second examplemodification, the nozzle body 34B of the washer nozzle 34 is disposed inthe groove portion 201 on the vehicle inner side of the front windshieldglass 20. For this reason, most of the washer nozzle 34 is protectedfrom the external environment by the front windshield glass 20, so thelife of the washer nozzle 34 can be lengthened.

Furthermore, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thesecond example modification, the coupling portion 34D is disposed in themiddle of the bottom portion of the nozzle body 34B of the washer nozzle34. For this reason, the washer fluid can be evenly supplied from themiddle of the nozzle body 34B to both longitudinal direction end sides,so the amount of time it takes for the washer fluid to be supplied fromthe supply portions 34A to the wiping region 30 and the wiping region 32can be shortened.

Third Example Modification

In a vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a third examplemodification of the first exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, awasher nozzle 34 is configured to include plural divided nozzle portions34E placed at regular intervals along the vehicle width direction. Asshown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11(A), and FIG. 11(B), in the third examplemodification, the divided nozzle portions 34E are each shaped like acylinder set to the same diameter along its axial direction. Supplyportions 34A are disposed in the upper ends of the divided nozzleportions 34E. The supply portions 34A are equipped with supply ports34A1. The lower ends of the divided nozzle portions 34 serve as couplingportions (no reference sign is assigned thereto) and are connected tohoses 38 as shown in FIG. 10. Although it is not shown in the drawings,the hoses 38 are bundled together in the middle and connected to thewasher pump 42 (see FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 11(B), a plurality of pores 20J running in the platethickness direction through the single plate glass 20B on the vehicleouter side of the front windshield glass 20, the intermediate film 20D,and the single plate glass 20C on the vehicle inner side are formed atregular intervals along the vehicle width direction. The plural dividednozzle portions 34E are inserted into the plural pores 20J. The supplyportions 34A are disposed so as to not project from the wiping surface20A like in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the firstexemplary embodiment.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the third examplemodification, the washer nozzle 34 is configured to include the dividednozzle portions 34E shaped like cylinders, and the divided nozzleportions 34E have a simple shape. For this reason, the washer nozzle 34can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, the washer nozzle 34 can beinexpensively manufactured.

Fourth Example Modification

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a fourth examplemodification of the first exemplary embodiment is an example applicationof the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the third examplemodification. As shown in FIG. 12(A) and FIG. 12(B), upper portions 34Fon the vehicle outer side of the divided nozzle portions 34E of thewasher nozzle 34 are narrower in diameter than the lower portions on thevehicle inner side. The supply portions 34A are disposed in the upperends of the upper portions 34F that are narrow in diameter. The supplyportions 34A are equipped with the supply ports 34A1.

Pores 20K that are narrower in diameter than the pores 20J andcorrespond to the upper portions 34F of the divided nozzle portions 34Eare disposed in the front windshield glass 20. The upper portions 34Fare inserted into the pores 20K. In the fourth example modification, anaxial direction length La of the upper portions 34F of the dividednozzle portions 34E is the same as a thickness t of the front windshieldglass 20.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the fourth examplemodification, the upper portions 34F of the divided nozzle portions 34Eof the washer nozzle 34 are narrow in diameter, so the supply pressureof the washer fluid in the supply portions 34A can be increased. Forthis reason, the washer fluid can be jetted to positions away from thesupply portions 34A, so the supply range of the washer fluid in thewiping region 30 and the wiping region 32 can be enlarged.

Furthermore, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thefourth example modification, the axial direction length La of the upperportions 34F of the divided nozzle portions 34E and the thickness t ofthe front windshield glass 20 are the same. For this reason, by simplyinserting the upper portions 34F into the pores 20K, the positions ofthe supply portions 34A of the washer nozzle 34 can be made to coincidewith the wiping surface 20A of the front windshield glass 20. It shouldbe noted that by shortening the axial direction length La of the upperportions 34F of the divided nozzle portions 34E, the positions of thesupply portions 34A can easily be made lower in the front windshieldglass 20 than the wiping surface 20A.

Fifth Example Modification

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a fifth examplemodification of the first exemplary embodiment is an example applicationof the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the second examplemodification. As shown in FIG. 13, the washer nozzle 34 of the vehiclewindow washer device 10 pertaining to the fifth example modification isconfigured to include the nozzle body 34B, the branching nozzle portions34C, and the supply portions 34A disposed in the upper ends of thebranching nozzle portions 34C. The supply portions 34A are equipped withthe supply ports 34A1. In the fifth example modification, the nozzlebody 34B is shaped like a semicircular cylinder in which the upper halfof a circular cylinder has been removed, and both longitudinal directionend portions of the nozzle body 34B are closed. Additionally, the pluraldivided nozzle portions 34C are disposed projecting from the flat topwall portion of the nozzle body 34B.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the fifth examplemodification, the same action and effects as the action and effectsobtained by the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the secondexample modification can be obtained.

Furthermore, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thefifth example modification, the nozzle body 34B of the washer nozzle 34is shaped like a semicircular cylinder having a flat top wall portion.For this reason, the top wall portion and the surface 20F of the frontwindshield glass 20 (see FIG. 9(B)) come into flat contact with eachother, so stability when the washer nozzle 34 has been attached to thefront windshield glass 20 can be improved.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a second exemplaryembodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 14 toFIG. 16.

(Configuration of the Vehicle Window Washer Device 10)

As shown in FIG. 14(A) to FIG. 14(D), the vehicle window washer device10 pertaining to the present exemplary embodiment is equipped with a jetnozzle type washer nozzle 64. The washer nozzle 64 is configured toinclude a nozzle body 64B, a movable nozzle portion 64D disposed in theupper portion of the nozzle body 64B, and a supply portion 64A disposedin the movable nozzle portion 64D. The supply portion 64 is equippedwith a supply port 64A1. The nozzle body 64B is formed in the shape of acylinder that can supply the washer fluid along its axial direction. Anozzle retention portion 64C that is shaped like a sphere having arecess and movably retains the movable nozzle portion 64D in the upperportion of the nozzle body 64B is formed integrally with the nozzle body64B.

The movable nozzle portion 64D is formed in the shape of a sphere, has athrough hole running through its central portion, and is equipped, onthe vehicle outer side of the through hole, with the supply portion 64Athat supplies the washer fluid to the wiping region 30 and the wipingregion 32. It should be noted that although FIG. 14(B) shows a gapdisposed between the movable nozzle portion 64D and the nozzle retentionportion 64C in order to make it easier to understand the configurationsof each, in actuality the movable nozzle portion 64D is fitted into thenozzle retention portion 64C, and the movable nozzle portion 64D slideswith a moderate frictional force with respect to the nozzle retentionportion 64C. That is, the movable nozzle portion 64D is movably retainedin the nozzle retention portion 64C, and the direction the supplyportion 64A faces can be manually changed. The supply portion (throughhole) 64A is set to a smaller flow path cross section than the flow pathcross section of the washer fluid supply flow path in the nozzle body64B. For this reason, the supply pressure of the washer fluid can beincreased in the supply portion 64A.

The washer nozzle 64 is inserted into a pore 20J disposed runningthrough the front windshield glass 20. The positions of the supplyportion 64A of the washer nozzle 64 and the upper end of the nozzle body64B are disposed so as to not project from the wiping surface 20A of thefront windshield glass 20 like in the vehicle window washer device 10pertaining to the first exemplary embodiment. It should be noted thatthe configurations of the vehicle window washer device 10 other thanthat of the washer nozzle 64 are the same as the configurations of thevehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the first exemplaryembodiment.

(Action and Effects of the Present Exemplary Embodiment)

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the presentexemplary embodiment, the washer nozzle 64 is equipped with the movablenozzle portion 64D having the supply portion 64A, and the direction thesupply portion 64A faces can be changed by moving the movable nozzleportion 64D with respect to the nozzle body 64B. For this reason, thedirection in which the washer fluid is supplied can be adjusted in eachof the wiping region 30 and the wiping region 32 shown in FIG. 1 so thatthe cleaning efficiency can be improved.

Furthermore, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thepresent exemplary embodiment, the washer nozzle 64 is a jet nozzle type,so the washer fluid can be supplied to places away from the supplyportion 64A in each of the wiping region 30 and the wiping region 32.Consequently, the washer fluid can be jetted and supplied toward placeswhose cleaning efficiency can be improved, such as, for example, therubber strip 24C of the wiper blade 24 and the rubber strip of the wiperblade 26 just before they pass the supply portion 64A.

First Example Modification

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a first examplemodification of the second exemplary embodiment is equipped with amovable nozzle portion 64E shown in FIG. 15(A) to FIG. 15(C) instead ofthe movable nozzle portion 64D of the washer nozzle 64 of the vehiclewindow washer device 10 pertaining to the second exemplary embodiment.Like the movable nozzle portion 64D, the movable nozzle portion 64E isshaped like a sphere and is fitted into and movably retained by thenozzle retention portion 64C. A plurality (here, two) of the supplyportions 64A are disposed in the movable nozzle portion 64E. The supplyportions 64A are equipped with supply ports 64A1. That is, there is morethan one direction in which the washer fluid is supplied, and the washerfluid can be supplied in multiple directions in each of the wipingregion 30 and the wiping region 32.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the first examplemodification, the plural supply portions 64A are disposed in the movablenozzle portion 64E of the washer nozzle 64, so the supply range of thewasher fluid can be enlarged to improve the cleaning efficiency in eachof the wiping region 30 and the wiping region 32.

Second Example Modification

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a second examplemodification of the second exemplary embodiment is equipped with a spraytype (diffusion type) washer nozzle 66 shown in FIG. 16(A) and FIG.16(B) instead of the washer nozzle 64 of the vehicle window washerdevice 10 pertaining to the second exemplary embodiment. The washernozzle 66 is configured to include a nozzle body 66B shaped like acylinder that can supply the washer fluid along the axial direction anda supply portion 66A disposed in the upper portion of the nozzle body66B. The supply portion 66A is equipped with a supply port 66A1. Thesupply port 66A1 is an orifice and diffuses the washer fluid. Adiffusion guide portion 66C that increases in diameter in an invertedconical shape heading from the supply portion 66A toward the vehicleouter side is disposed in the top wall portion of the nozzle body 66B.The diffusion guide portion 66C regulates the direction in which thewasher fluid is diffused.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the second examplemodification, the spray type washer nozzle 66 is disposed, so the washerfluid can be evenly diffused to enlarge the supply range and improve thecleaning efficiency in each of the wiping region 30 and the wipingregion 32.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a third exemplaryembodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 17 toFIG. 21.

(Configuration of the Vehicle Window Washer Device 10)

As shown in FIG. 17(A) and FIG. 17(B), the vehicle window washer device10 pertaining to the present exemplary embodiment is equipped with awasher nozzle 70. Like the washer nozzle 34 shown in FIG. 9(A) to FIG.9(C), the washer nozzle 70 is configured to include a nozzle body 70B,branching nozzle portions 70C, and supply portions 70A disposed in theupper ends of the branching nozzle portions 70C. The supply portions 70Aare equipped with supply ports 70A1. The nozzle body 70B is formed inthe shape of a long and narrow four-sided tube whose longitudinaldirection extends along the vehicle width direction. One end portion ofthe nozzle body 70B is bent downward and formed as a coupling portion70D. Another end portion 38B of the hose 38 is connected to the couplingportion 70D. The branching nozzle portions 70C are each formed in theshape of a cylinder that projects in a direction orthogonal to thenozzle body 70B from the top portion of the nozzle body 70B, and aplurality of the branching nozzle portions 70C are formed in regularintervals along the vehicle width direction. The nozzle body 70B and thebranching nozzle portions 70C are integrally formed by resin molding,for example.

A groove portion 201 whose longitudinal direction coincides with thevehicle width direction is disposed in the single plate glass 20C on thevehicle inner side of the front windshield glass 20. The nozzle body 70Bis housed in the groove portion 201. The cross-sectional shape of thegroove portion 201 in its transverse direction is rectangular, and thecross-sectional shape of the nozzle body 70B in the same direction isalso rectangular. Consequently, the nozzle body 70B can be housed in thegroove portion 201 without any gap between them. Additionally, aplurality of pores 20H reaching from the wiping surface 20A to thegroove portion 201 are disposed at regular intervals along the vehiclewidth direction in the single plate glass 20B on the vehicle outer sideof the front windshield glass 20 and the intermediate film 20D. Thebranching nozzle portions 70C are inserted into the pores 20H. Thesupply portions 70A are disposed so as to not project from the wipingsurface 20A like in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining tothe first exemplary embodiment.

(Action and Effects of the Present Exemplary Embodiment)

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the presentexemplary embodiment, the same action and effects as the action andeffects obtained by the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining tothe first exemplary embodiment can be obtained.

Furthermore, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thepresent exemplary embodiment, the nozzle body 70B of the washer nozzle70 is disposed in the groove portion 201 on the vehicle inner side ofthe front windshield glass 20. For this reason, most of the washernozzle 70 is protected from the external environment by the frontwindshield glass 20, so the life of the washer nozzle 70 can belengthened.

First Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 18, a vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to afirst example modification of the third exemplary embodiment is equippedwith a washer nozzle 70 that is substantially the same as that of thevehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the third exemplaryembodiment. The washer nozzle 70 is attached to the surface 20F on thevehicle inner side of the front windshield glass 20. The attachment isperformed by adhering the nozzle body 70B of the washer nozzle 70 via anadhesive 72 to the surface 20F of the single plate glass 20C. A resinadhesive, for example, is used as the adhesive 72. Furthermore,double-sided adhesive tape can also be used instead of the adhesive 72.The branching nozzle portions 70C of the washer nozzle 70 are insertedinto pores 20J formed in the front windshield glass 20.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the first examplemodification, the nozzle body 70B of the washer nozzle 70 is adhered viathe adhesive 72 to the surface 20F on the vehicle inner side of thefront windshield glass 20. For this reason, the washer nozzle 70 iseasily attached by the adhesive 72 to the surface 20F, and it sufficesto perform the simple work of forming in the front windshield glass 20the pores 20J for inserting the branching nozzle portions 70C of thewasher nozzle 70, so the structure of the vehicle window washer device10 can be simplified.

Second Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 19(A) to FIG. 19(C), a vehicle window washer device 10pertaining to a second example modification of the third exemplaryembodiment is equipped with a washer nozzle 74. The washer nozzle 74 isconfigured to include a nozzle constituent part 74B, branching nozzleportions 74C formed utilizing pores 20J in the front windshield glass20, and supply portions 74A disposed in the upper ends of the branchingnozzle portions 74C and utilizing as supply ports 74A1 the openings ofthe pores 20J. The nozzle constituent part 74B is placed in such a waythat its longitudinal direction extends along the vehicle widthdirection, and the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle constituent part74B in its transverse direction is formed in the shape of a square Uthat opens to the surface 20F side of the front windshield glass 20.Flange portions 74E that spread outward are formed integrally with thenozzle constituent part 74B on the peripheral edge of the opening of thenozzle constituent part 74B. The flange portions 74E are adhered to thesurface 20F via an adhesive 72, and the nozzle constituent part 74Bforms between itself and the surface 20F a closed flow path forsupplying the washer fluid in the vehicle width direction. A couplingportion 74D that projects downward and is integrally formed is disposedon one end portion of the nozzle constituent part 74B, and the couplingportion 74D is connected to another end portion 38B of the hose 38. Aplurality of the branching nozzle portions 74C (the pores 20J) areformed at regular intervals in the vehicle width direction, and theplural branching nozzle portions 74C are each connected to the nozzleconstituent part 74B.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the second examplemodification, the washer nozzle 74 is configured utilizing the surface20F on the vehicle inner side of the front windshield glass 20 and thepores 20J. Specifically, by forming the pores 20J in the frontwindshield glass 20 and adhering the nozzle constituent part 74B to thesurface 20F of the front windshield glass 20, the washer nozzle 74 canbe configured using the surface 20F and the pores 20J as some of itsconstituent elements. For this reason, the vehicle window washer device10 can be given a simple structure.

Third Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 20, a vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to athird example modification of the third exemplary embodiment is equippedwith a washer nozzle 76. The washer nozzle 76 is configured to include anozzle body 76B, a supply portion 76A disposed on the vehicle outer sideof the nozzle body 76B, a coupling portion 76D disposed on the vehicleinner side of the nozzle body 76B, and anchoring portions 76C. Thesupply portion 76A is equipped with a supply port 76A1. One washernozzle 76 is placed in each of the wiping region 30 and the wipingregion 32, or a plurality of the washer nozzles 76 are placed at regularintervals in the vehicle width direction in each of the wiping region 30and the wiping region 32. The nozzle body 76B has the same thickness as,or is a little thinner than, the plate thickness of the single plateglass 20B of the front windshield glass 20 and is formed as a plate-likemember formed in the shape of a disc, an ellipse, or a rectangle as seenfrom the vehicle front side. A washer fluid flow path (no reference signis assigned thereto) running in the plate thickness direction is formedin the central portion of the nozzle body 76B, and the vehicle outerside end of the flow path serves as the supply portion 76A. The washerfluid is supplied from the supply port 76A1 of the supply portion 76A toeach of the wiping region 30 and the wiping region 32. An open portion20M in which the nozzle body 76B is housed is formed in the single plateglass 20B on the vehicle outer side of the front windshield glass 20.

In the front windshield glass 20, an open portion 20N that is formed inthe single plate glass 20C and the intermediate film 20D and is narrowerin diameter than the open portion 20M is formed in a positioncorresponding to the open portion 20M. The open portion 20M and the openportion 20N are communicated with each other to form a nozzle retentionhole 20L having a step formed by the difference in diameters in theplate thickness direction middle portion. The coupling portion 76D iserectly disposed in the same direction as the plate thickness directionof the front windshield glass 20 from the central portion on the vehicleinner side of the nozzle body 76B toward the open portion 20N side. Oneend portion on the vehicle outer side of the coupling portion 76B iscoupled to the supply portion 76A. Another end portion 38B of the hose38 is connected to another end portion on the vehicle inner side of thecoupling portion 76D.

Additionally, the anchoring portions 76C are configured as claws thatare flexible, extend along the inner wall of the open portion 20N fromthe nozzle body 76B, and catch on the surface 20F. The anchoringportions 76C sandwich the single plate glass 20C and the intermediatefilm 20D between themselves and the nozzle body 76B to thereby anchorthe washer nozzle 76 to the front windshield glass 20. It should benoted that each portion of the washer nozzle 76 is integrally formedusing a resin material or a metal material, for example.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the third examplemodification, the washer nozzle 76 is equipped with the anchoringportions 76C. For this reason, the washer nozzle 76 can be quicklyattached to the front windshield glass 20 by inserting the washer nozzle76 into the nozzle retention hole 20L in the front windshield glass 20and anchoring the anchoring portions 76C to the surface 20F.Consequently, the efficiency of the work of attaching the vehicle windowwasher device 10 can be improved.

Fourth Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 21, a vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to afourth example modification of the third exemplary embodiment isequipped with a washer nozzle 78. The washer nozzle 78 is configured toinclude a nozzle body 78B, a nozzle portion 78C that projects from thenozzle body 78B toward the vehicle outer side, a supply portion 78Adisposed on the vehicle outer side end of the nozzle portion 78C, and acoupling portion 78D disposed projecting from the nozzle body 78B towardthe vehicle inner side. The supply portion 78A is equipped with a supplyport 78A1. Like the washer nozzle 76 in the third example modification,one washer nozzle 78 or a plurality of the washer nozzles 78 are placedin each of the wiping region 30 and the wiping region 32. The nozzlebody 78B is formed by a plate-like member having a disc shape, forexample, whose plate thickness coincides with the same direction as theplate thickness direction of the front windshield glass 20. The nozzlebody 78B is adhered using an adhesive 72 to the surface 20F of the frontwindshield glass 20. Double-sided adhesive tape can be used instead ofthe adhesive 72. The nozzle portion 78C is inserted into a pore 20Jformed in the front windshield glass 20. The coupling portion 78D isconnected to another end portion 38B of the hose 38. It should be notedthat each portion of the washer nozzle 78 is integrally formed using aresin material or a metal material, for example.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the fourth examplemodification, the nozzle body 78B of the washer nozzle 78 is adhered viathe adhesive 72 to the surface 20F on the vehicle inner side of thefront windshield glass 20. For this reason, the washer nozzle 78 iseasily attached to the surface 20F by the adhesive 72, and it sufficesto perform the simple work of forming in the front windshield glass 20the pore 20J for inserting the nozzle portion 78C of the washer nozzle78, so the structure of the vehicle window washer device 10 can besimplified.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a fourth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 22 toFIG. 24.

(Configuration of the Vehicle Window Washer Device 10)

As shown in FIG. 22, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto the present exemplary embodiment, a plurality of supply portions 34Aof a washer nozzle 34 are disposed at regular intervals in the vehicleup and down direction along the other reversal position (the upperreversal position) 30B of the wiping region 30. Specifically, as shownin FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, the supply portions 34A are placed along thefront pillar 12A, on the left side end portion of the front windshieldglass 20 as seen from the vehicle front side. As shown in FIG. 23, likethe washer nozzle 34 of the vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto the second example modification of the first exemplary embodiment,the washer nozzle 34 is configured to include a nozzle body 34B,branching nozzle portions 34C, and supply portions 34A on the vehicleouter side ends of the branching nozzle portions 34C. The branchingnozzle portions 34C are inserted into pores 20J running through thefront windshield glass 20. The supply portions 34A are disposed so as tonot project from the wiping surface 20A of the front windshield glass20. The washer nozzle 34 is connected to the washer pump 42 (see FIG. 1)via the hose 38, which is not shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23.

The vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the present exemplaryembodiment is equipped with the same system configuration as the systemconfiguration, shown in FIG. 5, of the vehicle window washer device 10pertaining to the first exemplary embodiment and acts in accordance withthe same sequence of actions as the sequence of actions shown in FIG.6(A) and FIG. 6(B). The system configuration and the sequence of actionsare such that, for example, the washer fluid is supplied from the supplyports 34A1 of the supply portions 34 just before the wiper blade 24reversing direction at the other reversal position 30B and pivotingtoward the middle of the wiping region 30 passes the supply portions34A.

Furthermore, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thepresent exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the supply portions34A are disposed on the other reversal position 30B side of the wipingregion 30, but the supply portions 34A are not disposed on the otherreversal position (the upper reversal position) side of the wipingregion 32. The other reversal position of the wiping region 32 ispositioned right in front of the occupant (the driver) in the vehicleforward direction, so by not disposing the supply portions 34A along theother reversal position the field of view of the occupant in the vehicleforward direction can be well maintained. It should be noted that,because the middle portion of the wiping region 30 and the otherreversal position of the wiping region 32 coincide with each other, someof the washer fluid supplied from the supply portions 34A to the wipingregion 30 is also supplied to the wiping region 32.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to each exemplaryembodiment from the first exemplary embodiment to the present exemplaryembodiment, the wiper blade 24 and the wiper blade 26 pivot back andforth between the lower end portion and the left side end portion of thefront windshield glass 20 as seen from the vehicle front side. For thisreason, the supply portions 34A of the washer nozzle 34 are disposedalong the front pillar 12A on the left side as seen from the vehiclefront side. In a case where the wiper blade 24 and the wiper blade 26pivot back and forth between the lower end portion and the right sideend portion of the front windshield glass 20, the supply portions 34A ofthe washer nozzle 34 are disposed along the front pillar 12A on theright side as seen from the vehicle front side.

(Action and Effects of the Present Exemplary Embodiment)

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the presentexemplary embodiment, the same action and effects as the action andeffects obtained by the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining tothe first exemplary embodiment can be obtained.

Furthermore, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thepresent exemplary embodiment, the supply portions 34A are disposed onthe other reversal position 30B side of the wiping region 30 and are notdisposed on the other reversal position side of the wiping region 32.For this reason, the field of view of the occupant can be wellmaintained.

First Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 24(A), a vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining toa first example modification of the fourth exemplary embodiment is acombination of the vehicle window washer device pertaining to the fourthexemplary embodiment and the vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto any of the first exemplary embodiment to the third exemplaryembodiment. That is, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto the first example modification, the supply portions 34A of the washernozzle 34 are disposed along each of the one reversal position 30A ofthe wiping region 30 and the one reversal position of the wiping region32. Moreover, the supply portions 34A are disposed along the otherreversal position 30B of the wiping region 30.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the first examplemodification, the washer fluid is supplied from the supply portions 34Ato the wiping region 30 each time the wiper blade 24 shown in FIG. 1 andelsewhere that pivots back and forth reverses direction at the onereversal position 30A and the other reversal position 30B. For thisreason, the efficiency with which the wiping region 30 is cleaned can beimproved.

Furthermore, in the wiping region 32, the washer fluid is supplied fromthe supply portions 34A each time the wiper blade 26 that pivots backand forth doubles back, and some of the washer fluid supplied to thewiping region 30 is supplied to the wiping region 32 each time the wiperblade 26 coincides with the wiping region 30, so the efficiency withwhich the wiping region 32 is cleaned can likewise be improved.

Second Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 24(B), in a vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto a second example modification of the fourth exemplary embodiment,supply portions 34A placed at regular intervals along the vehicle widthdirection are disposed in plural rows on the vehicle upper side of theone reversal position 30A of the wiping region 30. Here, the positionsof the supply portions 34A in the vehicle up and down direction coincidewith each other, and the supply portions 34A are disposed in two rows inthe same direction.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the second examplemodification, plural rows of the supply portions 34A are disposed in thewiping region 30, so the amount of washer fluid supplied to the wipingregion 30 can be increased. For this reason, the efficiency with whichthe wiping region 30 is cleaned can be improved. It should be notedthat, although it is not shown in the drawings, like in the wipingregion 30, plural rows of the supply portions 34A are disposed in thewiping region 32. It should also be noted that the supply portions 34Amay be disposed in three or more rows.

Third Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 24(C), in a vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto a third example modification of the fourth exemplary embodiment,plural supply portions 34A placed in a staggered manner at regularintervals along the vehicle width direction are disposed along the onereversal position 30A of the wiping region 30.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the third examplemodification, the supply portions 34A are disposed in a staggered mannerin the wiping region 30, so flexibility can be achieved for the spacingbetween the supply portions 34A in the vehicle width direction. For thisreason, the number of the supply portions 34A can be increased in thevehicle width direction in the wiping region 30 to increase the amountof washer fluid supplied to the wiping region 30, so the efficiency withwhich the wiping region 30 is cleaned can be improved. It should benoted that, like in the wiping region 30, the supply portions 34A aredisposed in a staggered manner in the wiping region 32, which is notshown in FIG. 24(C). Furthermore, plural rows of the supply portions 34Amay also be disposed along the front pillar 12A (the other reversalposition 30B), and the supply portions 34A may also be disposed in astaggered manner along the front pillar 12A.

Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a fifth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 25 andFIG. 26.

(Configuration of the Vehicle Window Washer Device 10)

As shown in FIG. 25(A), the vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto the present exemplary embodiment is applied to a rear windshieldglass 80 disposed in a rear portion of the automobile 12 (see FIG. 1).That is, a washer nozzle 34 (see FIG. 3, etc.) in which supply portions34A are disposed so as to not project from a wiping surface 80A aredisposed in a wiping region 82, wiped by a non-illustrated rear wiperblade, of the rear windshield glass 80. Specifically, a plurality of thesupply portions 34A are placed at regular intervals along the vehiclewidth direction along each of one reversal position (a left reversalposition as seen from the vehicle rear side) 82A of the wiping region 82and another reversal position (a right reversal position as seen fromthe same directional side) 82B. In the present exemplary embodiment, anon-illustrated pivot shaft is disposed in the middle of the lower endportion of the rear windshield glass 80, and the rear wiper blade pivotsback and forth in an angular range of substantially 180 degrees usingthe pivot shaft as a pivotal center. For this reason, the one reversalposition 82A and the other reversal position 82B of the wiping region 82are both positioned on the lower end portion side of the rear windshieldglass 80.

(Action and Effects of the Present Exemplary Embodiment)

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the presentexemplary embodiment, the same action and effects as the action andeffects obtained by the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining tothe first exemplary embodiment can be obtained even in a case where thevehicle window washer device 10 is applied to the rear windshield glass80.

First Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 25(B), in a vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto a first example modification of the fifth exemplary embodiment, theshape of the wiping region 82 and the placement positions of the supplyportions 34A are inverted in the up and down direction from what theyare in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the fifthexemplary embodiment. That is, the non-illustrated pivot shaft isdisposed in the middle of the upper end portion of the rear windshieldglass 80, and the non-illustrated rear wiper blade pivots back and forthin an angular range of substantially 180 degrees using the pivot shaftas a pivotal center. The one reversal position 82A and the otherreversal position 82B of the wiping region 82 are positioned on theupper end portion side of the rear windshield glass 80, and a pluralityof the supply portions 34A of the washer nozzle 34 shown in FIG. 1 andelsewhere are placed at regular intervals along the vehicle widthdirection along each of the one reversal position 82A and the otherreversal position 82B of the wiping region 82.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the first examplemodification, the same action and effects as the action and effectsobtained by the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the fifthexemplary embodiment can be obtained.

Second Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 25(C), in a vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto a second example modification of the fifth exemplary embodiment, theshape of the wiping region 82 is different from what it is in thevehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the fifth exemplaryembodiment. The non-illustrated pivot shaft is disposed nearer the rightside of the lower end portion of the rear windshield glass 80 as seenfrom the vehicle rear side, and the non-illustrated rear wiper bladepivots back and forth in an angular range of substantially 90 degreesusing the pivot shaft as a pivotal center. The one reversal position (alower reversal position) 82A of the wiping region 82 is positioned onthe lower end portion side of the rear windshield glass 80, and theother reversal position (an upper reversal position) 82B is positionedon the side end portion side of the rear windshield glass 80.Additionally, a plurality of the supply portions 34A of the washernozzle 34 shown in FIG. 1 and elsewhere are disposed at regularintervals along the vehicle width direction along the one reversalposition 82A, and a plurality of the supply portions 34A of the washernozzle 34 shown in FIG. 1 and elsewhere are disposed at regularintervals along the vehicle up and down direction along the otherreversal position 82B.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the second examplemodification, the same action and effects as the action and effectsobtained by the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the fifthexemplary embodiment can be obtained.

Third Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 26(A), in a vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto a third example modification of the fifth exemplary embodiment, thesupply portions 34A of the washer nozzle 34 are disposed along the onereversal position 82A of the wiping region 82 in the vehicle windowwasher device 10 pertaining to the second example modification. That is,a plurality of the supply portions 34A are placed at regular intervalsalong the lower end portion of the rear windshield glass 80.

Fourth Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 26(B), in a vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto a fourth example modification of the fifth exemplary embodiment, aplurality of the supply portions 34A are placed at regular intervalsalong the upper end portion of the rear windshield glass 80 in thevehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the second examplemodification.

Fifth Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 26(C), in a vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto a fifth example modification of the fifth exemplary embodiment, theshape of the wiping region 82 and the array positions of the supplyportions 34A are inverted in the up and down direction and the right andleft direction from what they are in the vehicle window washer device 10pertaining to the second example modification.

Sixth Exemplary Embodiment

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a sixth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 27(A)to FIG. 27(C).

(Configuration of the Vehicle Window Washer Device 10)

As shown in FIG. 27(A), the vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto the present exemplary embodiment is an example modification of thevehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the first exemplaryembodiment. That is, the direction in which the supply portions 34A ofthe washer nozzle 34 are arrayed slopes a certain angle α with respectto the one reversal position 30A of the wiping region 30. In the presentexemplary embodiment, the distance between the supply portions 34A andthe one reversal position 30A gradually increases heading away from thepivot shaft 28A, which is not shown in FIG. 27(A).

(Action and Effects of the Present Exemplary Embodiment)

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the presentexemplary embodiment, the same action and effects as the action andeffects obtained by the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining tothe first exemplary embodiment can be obtained.

Furthermore, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thepresent exemplary embodiment, the direction in which the supply portions34A of the washer nozzle 34 are arrayed slopes with respect to the onereversal position 30A of the wiping region 30, so the supply portions34A are sequentially placed in positions a little offset from each otherheading in the pivoting direction of the wiper blade 24. For thisreason, new washer fluid is sequentially supplied to the wiper blade 24from the supply portions 34A in the range of the certain angle α.

It should be noted that, in the wiping region 32, which is not shown inFIG. 27(A), like in the wiping region 30, the direction in which thesupply portions 34A are arrayed slopes with respect to the one reversalposition. Furthermore, although description is omitted here, the vehiclewindow washer device 10 pertaining to the sixth exemplary embodiment canalso be applied to the direction in which the supply portions 34A arearrayed in the wiping region 82 of the rear windshield glass 80 (seeFIG. 25 and FIG. 26).

First Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 27(B), in a vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto a first example modification of the sixth exemplary embodiment, thedistance between the supply portions 34 and the one reversal position30A gradually decreases as the direction in which the supply portions34A of the washer nozzle 34 are arrayed in the wiping region 30 movesaway from the pivot shaft 28A, which is not shown in FIG. 27(B). That isto say, the direction in which the supply portions 34A are arrayedslopes a certain angle α with respect to the one reversal position 30A.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the first examplemodification, the same action and effects as the action and effectsobtained by the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the sixthexemplary embodiment can be obtained. It should be noted that thevehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the first examplemodification can also be applied to each of the wiping region 32 and thewiping region 82, which are not shown in FIG. 27(B).

Second Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 27(C), in a vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto a second example modification of the sixth exemplary embodiment, thespacing between the supply portions 34A of the washer nozzle 34 in thewiping region 30 gradually increases heading away from the pivot shaft28A, which is not shown in FIG. 27(C). In other words, in the wipingregion 30, the number, per unit length, of the supply portions 34Aplaced close to the pivot shaft 28A is large, and the number, per unitlength, of the supply portions 34A placed far from the pivot shaft 28Ais set smaller than the number, per unit length, of the supply portions34A placed close to the pivot shaft 28A.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the second examplemodification, the number of supply portions 34A placed close to thepivot shaft 28B in the wiping region 30 is set large, so the amount ofwasher fluid supplied in this area can be increased. Usually, when thewiper blade 24 is pivoted back and forth, the washer fluid supplied tothe wiping region 30 is scattered to the surrounding area outside thewiping region 30 by centrifugal force acting because of the wiper blade24. By increasing the amount of washer fluid supplied on the pivot shaft28A side of the wiping region 30, the washer fluid spreads to the entirewiping region 30 because of the back and forth pivoting motion of thewiper blade 24. Because of this, the efficiency with which the wipingregion 30 is cleaned can be improved.

It should be noted that the vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto the second example modification can also be applied to each of thewiping region 32 and wiping region 82, which are not shown in FIG.27(C). Furthermore, the vehicle window washer devices 10 pertaining tothe sixth exemplary embodiment, the first example modification, and thesecond example modification can also be applied in cases where thesupply portions 34A are disposed along the one reversal position 30A andthe other reversal position 30B of the wiping region 30 shown in FIG.24(A) and elsewhere or the one reversal position 82A and the otherreversal position 82B of the wiping region 82 shown in FIG. 25(A) andelsewhere.

Seventh Exemplary Embodiment

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to a seventh exemplaryembodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 28(A)to FIG. 28(D).

(Configuration of the Vehicle Window Washer Device 10)

As shown in FIG. 28(A) to FIG. 28(C), the vehicle window washer device10 pertaining to the present exemplary embodiment is equipped with awasher nozzle 84 in the wiping region 30. Here, description of thewiping region 32 shown in FIG. 1 and elsewhere will be omitted becausethe same washer nozzle 84 as the one disposed in the wiping region 30 isalso disposed in the wiping region 82. The washer nozzle 84 isconfigured to include supply portions 84A, a nozzle body 84B, and aretention groove portion 84C. The nozzle body 84B extends in such a waythat its longitudinal direction coincides with the vehicle widthdirection. The nozzle body 84B is equipped inside with a flow path 84D,which has a circular cross section and supplies the washer fluid in thevehicle width direction. One end of the nozzle body 84B is connected tothe hose 38 shown in FIG. 3(B).

The retention groove portion 84C is integrally molded in the top portionon the vehicle outer side of the nozzle body 84B, is placed in such away that its longitudinal direction coincides with the vehicle widthdirection, and is formed in the shape of a square U having a rectangularopen shape as seen from the vehicle front side. The supply portions 84Aare equipped with supply ports 84A1. A plurality of the supply portions84A are formed at regular intervals along the vehicle width direction inthe groove bottom surface of the retention groove portion 84C, and thesupply portions 84A are coupled to the flow path 84D of the nozzle body84B. In the present exemplary embodiment, the shape of the supply ports84A1 is circular, but as described in connection with the vehicle windowwasher device 10 pertaining to the first exemplary embodiment, thesupply ports may also be formed in the shape of an ellipse, a rectangle,a polygon, or a long hole, for example. Furthermore, although it is notshown in the drawings, the positions of the supply portions 84A are setin positions on the vehicle inner side of the wiping surface 20A on thevehicle outer side of the front windshield glass 20, because the washernozzle 84 is equipped with the retention groove portion 84C.Additionally, the position of the vehicle outer side end (opening edgeportion) of the retention groove portion 84C is set so as to not projectfrom the wiping surface 20A of the front windshield glass 20.

As shown in FIG. 28(C), a plate-like supply member 86 whose longitudinaldirection coincides with the vehicle width direction and which has athickness that is the same as, or a little thicker than, the groovedepth of the retention groove portion 84C is housed in the retentiongroove portion 84C. The supply member 86 is made of a lubricatingmaterial that absorbs the washer fluid supplied from the supply portions84A and becomes lubricated and from which the washer fluid is squeezedout when the wiper blade 24 passes across it. Felt or rubber, forexample, can be used as the lubricating material.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the presentexemplary embodiment, the same action and effects as the action andeffects obtained by the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining tothe first exemplary embodiment can be obtained.

Furthermore, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thepresent exemplary embodiment, the supply member 86 is disposed on thesupply portions 84A of the washer nozzle 84, so the washer fluidsupplied from the supply portions 84A is supplied via the supply member86 to the wiping region 30. The washer fluid is temporarily retained inthe supply member 86 and is supplied to the wiping region 30 a little ata time from the supply member 86 each time the wiper blade 24 pivotsback and forth, so the cleaning effect can be sustained.

It should be noted that the vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto the present exemplary embodiment may have the washer nozzle 84 andthe supply member 86 disposed along each of the one reversal position30A and the other reversal position 30B of the wiping region 30.Furthermore, the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thepresent exemplary embodiment can also be applied to the wiping region 32and the wiping region 82, which are not shown in FIG. 28. Moreover, asthe supply member 86 in the present exemplary embodiment, a mesh memberthat allows the washer fluid supplied from the supply ports 84A1 of thesupply portions 84A to pass through it and supplies the washer fluid tothe wiping region 30 can also be used.

Example Modification

As shown in FIG. 28(D), in a vehicle window washer device 10 pertainingto an example modification of the seventh exemplary embodiment, pluralsupply portions 84A are disposed along the vehicle up and down directionin the groove bottom surface of the retention groove portion 84C of thewasher nozzle 84. The supply portions 84A are equipped with supply ports84A1. Although it is not shown in FIG. 28(D), the placement of thesupply portions 84A in the vehicle width direction is the same as theplacement in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to theseventh exemplary embodiment.

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the examplemodification, the number of supply portions 84A of the washer nozzle 84is increased, so the amount of washer fluid supplied can be increased.For this reason, the effect of cleaning the wiping region 30 can beimproved.

Eighth Exemplary Embodiment

A vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to an eighth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 29 andFIG. 30.

(Configuration of the Vehicle Window Washer Device 10)

As shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, in the vehicle window washer device 10pertaining to the present exemplary embodiment, the same washer nozzle74 as the one in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thesecond example modification of the third exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 19(A) to FIG. 19(C) is attached to the cowl louver 22. The supplyportions 74A of the washer nozzle 74 are disposed in the cowl louver 22,and the supply portions 74A are formed utilizing pores 22C runningthrough the cowl louver 22 in its plate thickness direction. The supplyportions 74A are equipped with the supply ports 74A1, and the supplyports 74A1 are formed utilizing the openings of the pores 22C.

Specifically, the wiping region 30 is configured to include the wipingsurface 20A on the vehicle outer side of the front windshield glass 20and a surface 22A on the vehicle outer side of the cowl louver 22disposed along the lower end portion of the front windshield glass 20.The lower end portion of the front windshield glass 20 and the vehiclerear end portion of the cowl louver 22 are coupled to each other via acoupling member 90, and the position of the wiping surface 20A and theposition of the surface 22A coincide with each other (the wiping surface20A and the surface 22A are even with each other). A coupling portion90A that extends as far as the surface 20F on the vehicle inner side ofthe front windshield glass 20 is disposed on the vehicle rear side ofthe coupling member 90, and the coupling portion 90A is adhered to thesurface 20F via an adhesive 92. A claw-like anchoring portion 90B isdisposed on the vehicle front side of the coupling member 90, and theanchoring portion 90B is anchored to an anchored portion 22B disposed onthe vehicle rear end portion of the cowl louver 22.

The wiping region 32, which is not shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, is,like the wiping region 30, configured to include the surface 22A of thecowl louver 22, and the supply portions 74A of the washer nozzle 74 aredisposed in the cowl louver 22 also in the wiping region 32.

It should be noted that the configurations of the vehicle window washerdevice 10 pertaining to the present exemplary embodiment other than thatof the washer nozzle 74 are the same as the configurations of thevehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the first exemplaryembodiment. Furthermore, the configuration itself of the washer nozzle74 is the same as the configuration of the washer nozzle 34 of thevehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the first exemplaryembodiment. Specifically, a plurality of the supply portions 74A areplaced along the longitudinal direction of the washer nozzle 74, and aplurality of the supply portions 74A are placed along the one reversalposition 30A on the storage position P side of the wiper blade 24 thatpivots back and forth.

(Action and Effects of the Present Exemplary Embodiment)

In the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the presentexemplary embodiment, the same action and effects as the action andeffects obtained by the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining tothe first exemplary embodiment can be obtained.

Furthermore, in the vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to thepresent exemplary embodiment, the wiping region 30 is configured toinclude the wiping surface 20A of the front windshield glass 20 and thesurface 22A of the cowl louver 22, and the supply portions 74A of thewasher nozzle 74 are disposed in the cowl louver 22. For this reason,the supply portions 74A are disposed in the cowl louver 22 apart fromthe front windshield glass 20, so it is difficult for the supplyportions 74A to enter the field of view of the occupant when theoccupant looks in the vehicle forward direction through the frontwindshield glass 20 from the driver's seat. Consequently, the field ofview of the occupant in the vehicle forward direction can be wellmaintained.

Supplementary Explanation to the Above Exemplary Embodiments

The present invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodimentsand can be modified in a variety of ways without departing from thespirit thereof. For example, in relation to the placement of the supplyportions of the washer nozzle, the present invention may also combinetwo or more of the vehicle window washer devices 10 pertaining to thefirst exemplary embodiment to the eighth exemplary embodiment includingtheir example modifications. For example, the supply portions 34A of thewasher nozzle 34 disposed along the front pillar 12A of the vehiclewindow washer device 10 pertaining to the fourth exemplary embodiment(see FIG. 22 and FIG. 23) may also be disposed in addition to the supplyportions 74A of the washer nozzle 74 disposed in the cowl louver 22 ofthe vehicle window washer device 10 pertaining to the eighth exemplaryembodiment (see FIG. 29 and FIG. 30).

Preferred Aspects of the Present Invention

Preferred aspects of the present invention are appended below assupplementary notes.

(Supplementary Note 1)

A vehicle window washer device comprising:

a washer tank that stores washer fluid;

a washer pump having one end connected to the washer tank and anotherend connected to one end portion of a hose;

a washer nozzle connected to another end portion of the hose;

a control unit that drives the washer pump to supply the washer fluidstored in the washer tank to the washer nozzle via the hose; and

a supply portion that is placed in a wiping region, wiped by a wiperblade, of a windshield glass, is disposed in the washer nozzle or thewindshield glass so as to not project from a wiping surface, andsupplies the washer fluid from a supply port to the wiping surface.

(Supplementary Note 2)

The vehicle window washer device according to supplementary note 1,wherein

the washer nozzle is formed in the shape of a tube having a closed endportion and is placed in such a way that the longitudinal direction ofthe washer nozzle coincides with the longitudinal direction of the wiperblade that pivots back and forth, and

a plurality of the supply portions are disposed along the longitudinaldirection of the washer nozzle.

(Supplementary Note 3)

The vehicle window washer device according to supplementary note 2,wherein a plurality of the supply portions are disposed along a reversalposition of the wiper blade that pivots back and forth.

(Supplementary Note 4)

The vehicle window washer device according to supplementary note 3,wherein the supply portions are disposed along the reversal position ona storage position side of the wiper blade.

(Supplementary Note 5)

The vehicle window washer device according to any one of supplementarynote 1 to supplementary note 4, further comprising a position detectionunit that detects the pivotal position of the wiper blade in the wipingregion, wherein on the basis of the result of the detection by theposition detection unit the control unit executes control that drivesthe washer pump to supply the washer fluid from the supply portion tothe wiping surface just before the wiper blade passes the supplyportion.

(Supplementary Note 6)

The vehicle window washer device according to supplementary note 1,wherein

the wiping region is configured to include the windshield glass and acowl louver disposed along a lower end portion of the windshield glass,and

the supply portion is placed on the cowl louver side of the wipingregion and is disposed in the washer nozzle or the cowl louver so as tonot project from the wiping surface.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle window washer device comprising: awasher tank that stores washer fluid; a washer pump having one endconnected to the washer tank and another end connected to one endportion of a hose; a washer nozzle connected to another end portion ofthe hose; a control unit that drives the washer pump to supply thewasher fluid stored in the washer tank to the washer nozzle via thehose; and a supply portion that is placed in a wiping region, wiped by awiper blade, of a windshield glass, is disposed in the washer nozzle orthe windshield glass so as to not project from a wiping surface, andsupplies the washer fluid from a supply port to the wiping surface. 2.The vehicle window washer device according to claim 1, wherein: thewasher nozzle is formed in the shape of a tube having a closed endportion and is placed in such a way that the longitudinal direction ofthe washer nozzle coincides with the longitudinal direction of the wiperblade that pivots back and forth, and a plurality of the supply portionsare disposed along the longitudinal direction of the washer nozzle. 3.The vehicle window washer device according to claim 2, wherein aplurality of the supply portions are disposed along a reversal positionof the wiper blade that pivots back and forth.
 4. The vehicle windowwasher device according to claim 3, wherein the supply portions aredisposed along the reversal position on a storage position side of thewiper blade.
 5. The vehicle window washer device according to claim 1,further comprising a position detection unit that detects the pivotalposition of the wiper blade in the wiping region, wherein, on the basisof the result of the detection by the position detection unit, thecontrol unit executes control that drives the washer pump to supply thewasher fluid from the supply portion to the wiping surface just beforethe wiper blade passes the supply portion.
 6. A vehicle window washerdevice comprising: a washer tank that stores washer fluid; a washer pumphaving one end connected to the washer tank and another end connected toone end portion of a hose; a washer nozzle connected to another endportion of the hose; a control unit that drives the washer pump tosupply the washer fluid stored in the washer tank to the washer nozzlevia the hose; and a supply portion that is placed on a cowl louver sideof a wiping region, wiped by a wiper blade, of the windshield glass, acowl louver being disposed along a lower end portion of the windshieldglass, is disposed in the washer nozzle or the cowl louver so as to notproject from a wiping surface, and supplies the washer fluid from asupply port to the wiping surface.